During the Patriarchal Divine Liturgy on the Feast of the Epiphany at the Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Theotokos in Alexandria on January 6, 2025, Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa made two significant administrative announcements regarding the Patriarchal Cathedral of Alexandria.
Patriarch Theodore announced the conclusion of Metropolitan Narcissus of Pelusium’s tenure as Patriarchal Vicar of Alexandria, a role he had faithfully fulfilled since September 14, 2016. The Patriarch expressed deep gratitude for Metropolitan Narcissus’s dedicated service and acknowledged his valuable contributions to the Great City.
Archimandrite Damaskinos Alazrai, formerly the Abbot of the Holy Patriarchal Monastery of Saint George in Old Cairo, was appointed as the new Patriarchal Vicar of Alexandria.
Patriarch Theodore commended Archimandrite Damaskinos for his outstanding efforts in the restoration of the Monastery of Saint George and its surroundings, which transformed the monastery into a prominent pilgrimage and cultural destination for visitors worldwide.
Archimandrite Damaskinos, born Joseph Alazrai in Kuwait in 1987, is of Jordanian descent and is a theologian and scholar with a diverse academic background:
- A degree in Theology from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
- Postgraduate studies in Systematic Theology
- A Doctorate in Philosophy from the Swiss International University
- A Diploma in Counseling and Psychology from the Mediterranean College of Athens
- Currently pursuing a doctorate at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
His ordination journey began in 2008 as a Deacon under the then-Bishop of Diavleia, now Metropolitan Damaskinos of Didymoteicho, Orestiada, and Soufli. He was ordained as an Archdeacon in 2009 and as a Presbyter in 2011, receiving the title of Archimandrite on the same day.
In 2014, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew honored him with the title of Archimandrite of the Ecumenical Throne. From 2015 to 2019, he served in the Vicariate of the Palestinian and Jordanian Orthodox Communities under the Holy Archdiocese of America, where he also pursued advanced English studies.
In 2020, Patriarch Theodore II enthroned him as Abbot of the Holy Patriarchal Monastery of Saint George in Old Cairo. Additionally, from 2020 to 2022, he served as the Secretary General of the Council of Churches of Egypt, representing the Patriarchate in that capacity.
Archimandrite Damaskinos is fluent in Greek, English, and Arabic, reflecting his broad cultural and academic expertise.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
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